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Interim Directive ID 98-2
12 February 1998
TO: All Oil and Gas Operators
MINIMUM WELLHEAD REQUIREMENTS
The Drilling and Completions Committee (DACC) recently completed Industry Recommended Practices (IRPs), Volume 5 Minimum Wellhead Requirements. The IRPs are intended to supplement existing industry standards, including API Specification 6A Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, and to provide overall guidance as to acceptable industry practices regarding wellheads. Copies of IRPs Volume 5 Minimum Wellhead Requirements are available at a nominal charge through the Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS).
DACC recommended key IRPs relating to protection of wellheads in general and minimum equipment for non-critical sour rod pumping wells that are capable of flow to atmosphere be implemented as regulatory requirements. Capable of flow to atmosphere is defined as sustained flow from the well of 8 m3 per day of liquids without artificial lift.
The EUB agrees with DACC's recommendations and, accordingly, these requirements will be implemented as detailed below.
Wellhead Protection
Effective 1 March 1998, licensees are required to ensure wells completed after that date meet the following requirements. All wells completed prior to 1 March 1998 are to be in compliance no later than 1 January 2001.
- All wellheads are to be conspicuously marked or fenced such that they are visible in all seasons. (Wellheads with a beam pumping unit meet this criteria).
- The licensee and/or operator of the well shall ensure that no farm or other vehicles operate within a 3 meter radius of the wellhead, except for vehicles specifically required to do so as part of an operation being performed on the well such as a completion, workover, or well servicing operation.
Non-Critical Sour Rod Pumping Wells that are Capable of Flow to Atmosphere
Effective 1 March 1998, licensees are required to ensure wells completed after that date are equipped with a full opening master valve, a hyraulic rod BOP, and an environmental BOP. Wells completed prior to 1 March 1998 are to be brought into compliance at the first workover during which the christmas tree is removed.
Enforcement
Failure to demonstrate compliance with the above requirements may result in a company-wide assessment of compliance with the potential for temporary cessation of operations until the necessary equipment is installed.
Inquiries respecting these requirements should be directed to the EUB Facilities Division, Operations Group at (403) 297-6952.
[Original signed by]
Frank J. Mink
Board Member
